This work reports progress towards demonstrated Raman-based optical refrigeration. Previously [1] we introduced Raman refrigeration and its required photonic structures. Building on the previous, the mechanisms and photonic structures are detailed and simplified proof-of-concept devices described. Three wavelength bands, two illuminated and one dark, are considered. The width of each of these bands is predicated upon the magnitude of the Raman shift of the active layer. Optimally, the first illuminated band is approximately one Raman shift (wavelength) in width. This illuminated band is capped above (at shorter wavelengths) by a dark band. At longer wavelengths a second illuminated band again one Raman shift in width is reflected by photonic structuring that forbids light propagation. The dark bands provide an exhaust through which up energy (anti-Stokes) shifted light can be emitted thereby carrying away heat. The Photonic structure prohibits the propagation of a band of long wavelength light thereby both blocking Stoke’s shifted illuminated band light and reflecting incident light having these wavelengths. The naturally occurring solar spectrum with its light and dark bands caused by atmospheric absorption is a good match to diamond-based Raman refrigeration. Diamond also has extremely low absorption and large Raman cross-section especially in small grain form. Proof-of-concept devices employing simple one-dimensional photonic structures are the focus of present experimental effort. The prospect of broadband refrigeration remains a delicate balance requiring limited absorption and increased Raman cross section through phonon engineering of the Raman active layer.
Described are the prospects for broadband optical refrigeration based on Raman scattering of incoherent light. Laser pumped rare earth fluorescence has been demonstrated and commercial applications are sure to follow. Broadband refrigeration requires strong Raman scattering and large Raman shift. Also required are spectral management and photonic patterning to offset the unfavorable anti-Stoke’s to Stoke’s shift ratio. Materials such as diamond, silicon, and a number of molecular systems are ideal and have low absorption. Optics splits the broadband spectrum into light and dark bands with width corresponding to the Raman shift. Broadband spectrums where photon flux decreases with increasing photon energy are ideal. By tailoring the incoming spectrum, by utilizing extremely transparent strong Raman shift materials and by photonic inhibition of Stoke’s shifted light the prospect become feasible. The Raman optical cross- section increases with decreasing particle size (until the particle become too small to support the Raman-phonons). Where conservation of phonon states in these truncated Brillioun-zone particles requires an increased density (number/cm3) of the allowed-states to compensate for states lost to particle size. Nonetheless, the anti-Stokes to Stokes ratio is approximately one-to-two at laboratory temperature. Thin film deposited diamond is an excellent candidate for refrigeration applications due to its high transparency small grain size and its large Raman magnitude and large shift. Simple one-dimensional photonic structures selectively inhibit the Stoke’s shifted light making refrigeration possible.
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